Mercy Killing

by Alandra Hileman

FULL LENGTH. Mercy is a barista is San Francisco. She’s also a serial killer. But it’s fine, the only person who knows is Thana, the Grim Reaper who keeps showing up at the murder scenes. She’s also Mercy’s girlfriend. Sort of. It’s complicated, especially because Mercy keeps flirting with Angie, the podcaster who hangs out at her coffee shop. Except Angie thinks there might be a serial killer in San Francisco...

FULL LENGTH. Mercy is a barista is San Francisco. She’s also a serial killer. But it’s fine, the only person who knows is Thana, the Grim Reaper who keeps showing up at the murder scenes. She’s also Mercy’s girlfriend. Sort of. It’s complicated, especially because Mercy keeps flirting with Angie, the podcaster who hangs out at her coffee shop. Except Angie thinks there might be a serial killer in San Francisco. And there is, unless Mercy can stop. But if she stops, she’ll never get to see Thana again, and that’ll make it really hard to date. But so does Thana’s ex, another Reaper named Harmon, who also wants to know why there’s a serial killer running around unreported. Will romance be another casualty of this serial killing spree? (60-70 min.)

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Mercy Killing

Recommended by

  • Dave Osmundsen: Mercy Killing by Alandra Hileman
    “

    What a wild ride this play takes the audience on! A queer love story that turns deadly, this dark comedy is hilarious and compelling, successfully ratcheting up the stakes all the way to its giddily bloody conclusion (which gives new meaning to the phrase "karma is a b*tch). I also appreciated the subtle world building, smoothly incorporating the fantastical elements into a realistic setting. True crime junkies will also appreciate the gentle ribbing of the True Crime podcast. Fantastic work!

    What a wild ride this play takes the audience on! A queer love story that turns deadly, this dark comedy is hilarious and compelling, successfully ratcheting up the stakes all the way to its giddily bloody conclusion (which gives new meaning to the phrase "karma is a b*tch). I also appreciated the subtle world building, smoothly incorporating the fantastical elements into a realistic setting. True crime junkies will also appreciate the gentle ribbing of the True Crime podcast. Fantastic work!

    ”
  • Rachel Bublitz: Mercy Killing by Alandra Hileman
    “

    This play is super fun and hilarious, with some great roles for actors to get excited about. I mean how often do ladies get to play a grim reaper or a serial killer? Answer, not enough.

    This play is super fun and hilarious, with some great roles for actors to get excited about. I mean how often do ladies get to play a grim reaper or a serial killer? Answer, not enough.

    ”

Character Information

  • Mercy
    Barista by day, serial killer by...other times of day.
    20s-30s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Thana
    Afterlife Transition Specialist ("Reaper") and District Manager for Death, Inc.
    20s-30s
    Any
    No gender
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Angie
    Host of the “Murder Most Foul-Mouthed” podcast and coffee shop regular.
    20s-30s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Harmon
    Internal Affairs Agent for Death, Inc.
    (Actor also plays all other male roles: HOMELESS GUY, COFFEE DOUCHE, ELECTRICIAN, BUS GUY, OTHER HOMELESS GUY, NEW BARISTA)
    20s-30s
    Any
    No gender
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary

Production History

  • Professional, Awesome Theatre, 2018